Philippe Coutinho has announced his departure from Vasco da Gama, saying he is “mentally exhausted” and is taking a “step back” from his boyhood club.
The 33-year-old attacking midfielder returned to the Brazilian side on loan for the 2024-25 season from Aston Villa before the move was made permanent in the summer of 2025 on a one-year contract.
Coutinho, Vasco’s captain, was booed while being substituted at half-time during the 5-3 penalty shootout win over second division side Volta Redonda on Sunday. After he was withdrawn, he did not return to watch the second half on the bench with his team-mates.
This game was played in the Cariocao, the top-flight football league in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro, and a competition separate from the Brazilian Serie A. Vasco are yet to confirm Coutinho’s departure.
“I thought long and hard before writing this,” Coutinho said on social media. “I really did. But, out of respect, affection, and love for you and for this club, I felt I needed to come here and speak from the heart.
“I chose to return to Vasco because I love this club. I love everything Vasco represents in my life. Wearing this shirt was one of the most important choices I’ve ever made. And, in every training session, in every game, I gave my best. Always!
“There was never a lack of dedication, never a lack of will and commitment, but being judged by countless people for something that is not part of my character is extremely difficult. I would never disrespect the fans, my team-mates, or Vasco. I’ve never done that anywhere I’ve been. Those who know me know that.
“At that moment, on my way to the locker room (after Volta Redonda on Sunday), I felt and realised that my time at the club had ended, and I didn’t return to prioritise my mental health.”
The former Liverpool, Barcelona and Bayern Munich player, who has earned 68 Brazil caps, scored 22 goals and provided 10 assists in 124 appearances for Vasco across his three spells at the club. He won a single trophy with Vasco — the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie B, Brazil’s second tier — in 2009 while on loan from Inter Milan.
UM CRIA DA BARREIRA PARA SEMPRE! 👏💢 Coutinho nasceu e cresceu no Vasco. Saiu para brilhar na Europa, voltou e agora encerra mais uma passagem pelo Cruzmaltino. #FutebolBrasileiro pic.twitter.com/hYcQGVJBr3
— TNT Sports BR (@TNTSportsBR) February 18, 2026
He continued: “This hurts a lot. The truth is, I’m very mentally exhausted. I’ve always been very reserved, so saying this here isn’t easy, but I need to be honest.
“My relationship with Vasco is one of love. And it will continue to be forever. With a heavy heart, I understand that now is the time to take a step back and end this cycle at Vasco.
“I am grateful for everything I experienced here. I will carry Vasco with me forever. In my heart. In my history. In my life. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you for everything.”
Neymar, a Brazil team-mate of Coutinho’s, responded to the social media statement, saying, “Head up, my brother. I’m with you always.”
In the Serie A, which began on January 28 and concludes on December 2, Vasco have not won any of their opening three league games and sit 17th in the table. Vasco finished 10th in the division last season.
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